The Mayor of the Walcha Shire Council is hopeful a plea to the New South Wales Local Government Minister to re-assess Walcha's future independence will not fall on deaf ears.

Janelle Archdale said Council has written to the Minister Paul Toole, with a proposal Walcha remain stand alone under the 'Rural Council' model and not be forced to merge with Tamworth.

She said the only reason Council submitted an option for a merger was because the 'Rural Council' model was thought to be off the table.

"We are waiting to hear back whether it is acceptable for our merger to be withdrawn," Councillor Archdale said.

"We believe we can be a standalone council under that model and now that they have referred to it a number of times through the Fit for the Future progress report there is no sound reason why Walcha Shire Council should not be under that model, we meet all the financial criteria."

Councillor Archdale said a response from the Minister is needed soon.

"We want a fast and positive response because there will be a briefing session this Friday on the Boundaries Commission procedure and we don't even want to have to enter in to that," she said.

"We believe it's going to be a huge drain on resources and time and we don't want to waste more time by going through a procedure we don't believe we should be a part of."

Boundaries Commission process to start soon

With the formal process to merge selected councils due to start soon, those earmarked for mergers in the New England North West are expected to receive detailed proposals from the State Government within the coming weeks.

In addition to the proposed Walcha-Tamworth merger, Armidale Dumaresq Council is proposed to merge with Guyra.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the independent Boundaries Commission process will include a call for public submissions, and community meetings.

He said it'll take many months to complete.

"It'll take as long as it takes," Mr Marshall said.

"There are 35 proposals that will be referred by the Minister to the Boundaries Commission and I understand the intention is to try and have all of that wrapped up and all of the recommendations to Government by the end of the financial year.

"I would estimate this process could go on for another two or three months."

A delegate from the Commission will be appointed to oversee the inquiry into each amalgamation.

"Using the Boundaries Commission process is certainly the preferred option of Local Government NSW which represents all councils in the state" Mr Marshall said.

"I'm actually looking forward to the Boundaries Commission process getting underway because it will actually give the opportunity for council and the community to lay out their case in a detailed manner and in a public fashion."